Congratulations go out to the St. David's and St. George's football teams. This is exciting times for the East End of the Island to have both teams in the Premier League next year.

What is already a fierce rivalry will only get stronger as the two teams will do all they can to avoid returning to the First Division.

This has been a division that no one really talked about but the race for promotion was just as hot as in the Premier League. Robin Hood have pushed both of these clubs to the limit but fell short at the end where it counted most. Surely Robin Hood will be pleased with their position in what was an excellent season for them.

So what were the key factors involved for promotion?

St. David's have a pool of players who are as close knit as a family and had a common goal to reach what they had fallen short of last year. They were on the brink of promotion last season only to finish third and then lose in a play-off with Devonshire Colts.

However, this year they have made amends and it's all thanks to hard work, playing as a team and the determination to be successful as a club both from the administration and the players.

For St. George's, the key to promotion was securing a coach who could motivate the players to that next level. There was no disappointment in the hiring of Richard Todd as the lay-out of his programme encouraged the return of the Signor brothers, Earnest and David.

This, along with Jaron Dickenson, gave the programme the boost that was needed. The implementation of increased discipline and structure motivated the players to believe in themselves, resulting in confidence as a team.

Both St. David's and St. George's have much to look forward to but I can assure them that the road at the top will not be an easy one.

Currently, naming the champions for the Premier League has come down to the wire with one game to go (yesterday).

There have been so many twists and turns this season.

Folks, while I have sat and reflected on football briefly, I can't help but reflect on life as well.

Decision-making and choices have an enormous impact on the outcome that one desires. As I sit here in the hospital I have pondered and asked the question – do we recognise how precious and important each day is in our lives?

Sportsmen and sportswomen I ask, do we really take what we do seriously? Many of us take life for granted.

We are all given opportunities in life in some form or another, sports and the workplace are two examples, but are we too blind to see them or do we just expect that another opportunity will come along and squander what is directly in front of us.

Sometimes fear can be the one thing that snaps us into reality to make the most of every situation.

As I lay here in my hospital bed, fearing what can happen or could have happened, I think back to my roots where my mom instilled the power of prayer, and I find myself sitting and praying to God during the day.

Before I was allowed to play sports on a Sunday, my mom used to make me go to church or Sunday school before I played. It is those teachings that when in crisis I fall back on and it continuously reminds me of who I am and where I come from.

My question is why only when in crisis? The opportunity to lean on God is there every day. Just as easy as God gave me a talent. If I squander the opportunity he can simply take it away.

That's why I urge sportsmen and sportswomen, give the credit where the credit is due, to God. He is the one who has blessed you with your ability and your talent. It only takes five minutes to say 'God I thank you for all that you have done for me'. What we tend to do is wait until we are in dire straits or in a sticky situation before we acknowledge Him.

Bermuda, let me be clear, I am not perfect but I walk with the Lord and through that I have received many blessings. Do you think Bermuda making it to the Cricket World Cup was all about great ability, talent, and hard work? No, it was about our prayers that we as a team did every training session.

If you think St. George's and St. David's achieved promotion through the stroke of luck, then I can assure you that you are mistaken.

Hard work was accompanied with prayers. There are many praying people out there in these two communities. I know that in the past St. George's players used to actually go to church first before going to play. With my family background being from St. David's I can assure you the St. Luke's Church family have been in prayer for their team too.

Bermuda, it is time we as a country take a look at ourselves and say what can I do to make a difference. We must get our children back to the good old days of Sunday school and church so that they learn good morals and values. Sport is an avenue for success for our kids, but if there is no foundation to build their talent on then opportunities will pass them by. Let's give our kids the tools that will sustain them through life and its many challenges.

Motto for the week: "I am a member of a team, and I rely on the team, I defer to it and sacrifice for it, because the team, not the individual, is the ultimate champion." - Mia Hamm